"We are proud to announce that Aaron will assume leadership of
the Luther College football program," Thompson said. "He has a rich
and extensive background in coaching football at the high school
and college levels. His teams have experienced great success on the
field, but more importantly, he has been an outstanding mentor for
young men and has been instrumental in providing positive
experiences for those under his tutelage. We are excited to welcome
Aaron and his family into the Decorah community."

During Hafner's tenure at William Penn, the Statesmen won
Midwest League championships in 2010 and 2012, compiled a record of
28-6 the past three years, and qualified for the NAIA national
tournament in 2012. Hafner's offense was ranked in the top-five
nationally from 2008-12, setting the single-season rushing record
of 4,476 yards in 2010.

Hafner was also one of three coaches who shared Midwest League
Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2008 and was named the sole
recipient of this honor in 2010.

Prior to William Penn, he served as head football coach at
Republic High School in Republic, Mo., (2003-2006); was head coach
for one year at Francis Howell Central High School in St. Peters,
Mo. (2002-2003); and was the defensive coordinator at Webb City
High School in Webb City, Mo., (1998-2001), where he helped the
team to a Class 4A state championship in 2000.

Hafner earned a bachelor's degree in math with an emphasis in
education from Pittsburg (Kan.) State in 1997. He and his wife Katy
have two daughters, Allie, age 12, and Andie, age 8.

"My family and I are extremely excited about the opportunity to
join the Decorah community as the head football coach at Luther
College. Dr. Thompson, President Torgerson and the hiring committee
presented a clear vision for the future of Luther football. I feel
very blessed they chose me to lead the Norse football program for
years to come.

"We will put together a coaching staff that will work toward
excelling on the football field while achieving continued success
academically. Our first task is to add quality student-athletes to
this year's recruiting class, to add to what we feel is a great
group of returning players, in an attempt to compete at a high
level for 2013 and on into the future."